The Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust (DSAMAT) was established in 2016 by the Diocese of St Albans. It is an inclusive Trust, working with the Church of England and community schools that share DSAMAT's values and ethos, and a commitment to a broad education that prepares pupils for a happy, fulfilled life. DSAMAT has a clear vision for creating and maintaining successful schools that serve unique local communities through the provision of a rich and diverse curriculum, underpinned by Christian values. You can read about its mission, vision and values here.

The Trust has grown from being newly established in 2016 when it admitted its first three Academies, to now comprising of 13 Academies mainly in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, educating around 3000 boys and girls aged 4-18. DSAMAT is dedicated to delivering education that serves local communities. Its academies are inclusive, welcoming those from all and no faiths, from all abilities and backgrounds. It believes in providing a high quality education, underpinned by Christian values, which enables every child to flourish. The Trust is committed to continuing to grow sustainably so that it increases its shared organisational efficiency and widens its community of practice. The Trust is therefore keen to talk to schools that share its commitment and core purposes.

Manshead CE Academy is a large secondary school with a vibrant learning environment. The students benefit from highly qualified and exceptionally committed staff who recognise the importance of engaging and challenging teaching and an effective culture of vigilance around student well-being and safeguarding. Manshead's vision is one of high quality education for all, providing students with a high quality learning experience in a caring and supportive learning environment, underpinned by a strong Christian ethos. All learners will be able to widen and deepen themselves through inspirational learning opportunities, achieve outstanding outcomes and prepare fully for life within the wider community.

Manshead CE Academy is part of DSAMAT, a Multi-Academy Trust. The Trust is a charity and its Board of Trustees must ensure that it complies with its charitable objects which relate to the provision of education in its schools. As such it is the Trust Board that is accountable for the performance of the Academies in the Trust, and in turn, it is held to account by the Department for Education.

The Trust has chosen to appoint committees for each of its Academies and these are known as Local Governing Boards (LGBs). They drive the local Christian vision for each school and are responsible for ensuring that the school continues to flourish, with support from the wider Trust. They work with parents and the wider community to ensure that each school is at the heart of the community and reflects the evolving needs of the stakeholders in the local area.

The specific tasks and responsibilities of LGBs can be summarised as follows:

• Ensuring clarity of the local vision, ethos and strategic direction (including the Christian ethos in Church schools)
• Holding school senior leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and the pupils, and the effective and efficient management of staff
• Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent
• Proposing a budget to the Trust Board on behalf of the school

Manshead CE Academy seeks a new Chair with strategic-level experience, ideally gained in the education sector, who is passionate about the role that education can play in changing the lives of young people.

The Trust is open to candidates coming from a wide range of different backgrounds, but is particularly interested in hearing from those with senior-level experience in an educational organisation. The role of LGB Chair would suit someone who has operated at a strategic level in their executive career, who understands the difference between governance and management, and has the interpersonal skills and confidence required to lead the Board. Whilst an understanding of the education sector would be beneficial, it is not a requirement for the role.

Candidates will likely have prior board experience, and will be able to support and challenge the Head as appropriate.

You can read more about the Board of Governors here.

There are 6 LGB meetings per year. These meetings are held in Mansfield CE Academy, take place on weekdays at 5:30pm (although this time slot is variable), and last for two hours. The roles are unremunerated, however reasonable, pre-agreed expenses will be reimbursed.

As Board meetings take place in person, candidates will either live locally or be willing to travel for meetings.

DSAMAT welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. As young people and those from a BAME background are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from those candidates would be particularly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where diverse candidates can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.